NEWS
Níall McLaughlin, recipient of UK architecture’s highest honour - the Royal Gold Medal - delivered the Building Inspiration Lecture 2026 at the Lyric Theatre Belfast on September 25. Over 300 guests gathered for the event, organised by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects in partnership with Arup. Níall spoke about his time at UCD studying under Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey, who designed the Lyric, as well as his work on projects such as the Stirling Prize- winning New Library at Magdalene College and a new Cathedral in Sydney, Australia. A professor of architectural practice at UCL’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, he was a visiting professor at the University of California Los Angeles from 2012 to 2013 and appointed Lord Norman Foster visiting professor of architecture at Yale for 2014 to 2015. In April 2026, Níall was awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in celebration of his impact and achievements in advancing architectural practice, thinking, writing and education. www.rsua.org.uk Worldclass architect at Lyric Belfast
Construction Futures team.
Construction Futures wins Excellence in Outreach
Construction Futures has received the Excellence in Outreach Award at the Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards 2026 held in London on September 16. This award recognises the team’s significant impact in a remarkably short time, transforming the accessibility of construction careers for women, and driving strategic change across the industry in Northern Ireland. Judges recognised its ‘infectious enthusiasm is already driving strategic change across the industry in Northern Ireland, bringing government and charities on board and
An alarming return to systemic inflationary pressures not seen in the sector since 2022 has been highlighted in the latest CEF Construction Survey for Northern Ireland. The survey, which collected data from NI-headquartered firms with a collective annual turnover of around £3.5bn, covers 2025/26 and reflects on key challenges facing contractors, civil engineers and homebuilders. Inflationary issues are causing financial concern for 45% of respondents, up from 25% six months ago. Comparing the end engaging 47 delivery partners to increase outreach capacity for an entire sector’. Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development at Construction Futures, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award, particularly because it recognises on a national stage what a small team has achieved in such a short time, and the huge collective effort that sits behind Construction Futures. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of our team, CEF, our employers and delivery partners across Northern Ireland.” www.constructionfuturesni.com
Níall McLaughlin.
of 2025 and mid-2026, 95% of respondents said they have seen material costs rise by up to 25%. Turnover increased for most firms over the year, with 20% of respondents reporting an increase of at least 25%, and 35% citing a 10% boost in turnover over the last year. However, 75% of respondents said profit margins are stagnant or in decline. CEF is calling for the NI Executive to immediately agree a budget for 2026/27 alongside wastewater and planning reforms to return confidence in the industry. www.cefni.co.uk
Inflationary pressure in construction
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